As soon as we arrived, we met with the director and started rehearsals. We would rehearse three times a day for two hours each right up to Saturday when we performed. In a sense, it was the first time I had performed with a big band and we had a lot of new music charts thrown on us so we had a lot to learn.

Usually we get between 1,000 to 1,200 visitors a day at the store. Close to Valentine's that number is up between 1,300 to 1,700 a day.

I'd take her over Ben. She can make passes at me any day.

I'm always kidding that we keep him in a cage and feed him raw meat. On game day, we turn him loose.

If it weren't for Prof. Mair, I would never have made it. I was really surprised when Prof. Mair told me, I didn't know how I would sound to the judges.

I don't know how to put it (his experience) in words. It was an experience and a half, very much a learning experience that gave me a real profound feeling and appreciation of the subtleties and direction in music. I can't thank Prof. Mair enough or the college for funding me. It's all so surreal. I know it's motivated me to propel me to the next level. Anyone going to an event like this will come back wanting to be a better musician. That's for sure.